Burundi

Farmers in southern Burundi are some of the poorest people in the world. High population density, small land holdings, unpredictable climate, and decreasing soil fertility make conditions in the landlocked East African country pretty desperate. Not to mention dubious democratic institutions, political violence, and a refugee crisis. With 90 percent of Burundians being small-scale farmers, ensuring the rural economy works is vital to the nation’s prosperity.

Burundi is a landlocked country in the African Great Lakes region of East Africa. Learn more about its culture, people, economy down below:

. The country’s capital Bujumbara has the largest port.

. A majority of the population of Burundi lives in villages that are scattered throughout the highlands.

. Ninety percent of the population of Burundi is employed in agriculture.

. Flag of Burundi – divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below); green symbolizes hope and optimism, white purity and peace, and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence; the three stars in the disk represent the three major ethnic groups: Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, as well as the three elements in the national motto: unity, work, progress.

. Cows play a significant role in the national culture. A typical Kirundi greeting, “Amashyo,” translates as “May you have herds of cattle.” Cattle are a symbol of health, happiness, and prosperity.

. Burundi became independent on July 1, 1962.

. Mount Heha is the highest point in Burundi. It is 2684 m, or 8,806 feet high.

.The country has two official languages – French and Kirundi.

. There are seven airports and 12,322 km of total railway in the country.

. The official currency of Burundi—the Burundi Franc—was first issued in 1963.

Mrs. K. Ichoya, CEO of FEMCOM held discussions with Mrs Mutabaruka Nadine Managing Director of the Women’s Initiative for Self-Empowerment (WISE) Bank in Burundi on 16 June 2017.

The Wise Bank was created by the members of the Burundi Women Association of Entrepreneurs with technical support of FEMCOM/COMESA and a loan facility from PTA Bank. Currently more than 15,000 women bank with WISE Bank.

3. Burundi won a gold medal in 1996 for the first time in Olympic history. In doing so, it became the poorest country ever to win an Olympic gold medal. The prestigious medal was won by Burundi’s runner Venuste Niyongabo in the 5000-meter race. Ironically, it has never won a regional title at the African Games.

4. Group jogging is banned in Burundi. In 2014, the country’s president banned the activity, citing the reason that such walks can help people plan subversive (anti-government) activities.

5. Due to farming and overgrazing, deforestation and soil erosion are becoming concerns for the population of the country.

6. The first election in the country took place on September 8, 1961.

7. Before independence, the country was named Ruanda-Urundi.

8. There are only two coffee-processing plants in Burundi. One is located in the capital, and the other is in Gitega.

#9. Melchior Ndadaye became the nation’s first Hutu ruler when he was elected as the president in 1993.